“Easy to maneuver. Fuel economy is so-so but just acceptable. Excellent seating comfort. Easy to access the cargo area. The exterior cameras should be improved and more camera views added. This is principally an in-town car that is OK on the highway just not very perky.”
2020 Lexus NX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Lexus NX is that Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 became standard across the lineup, adding lane-centering help and road-sign recognition. This was a modest equipment update rather than a redesign.
About the 2020 Lexus NX
1st generation NX (2015-2021), post-2018 refresh; 2020 is the third model year after that refresh and two years before the all-new 2022 redesign.
Lexus positions the NX as a sharply styled compact luxury SUV built for busy daily use. Its core appeal is the mix of a higher seating position, city-friendly size, upscale cabin feel, and strong standard safety tech, with a choice between turbo gas power and a more efficient hybrid. In the Lexus lineup, the NX is the brand’s compact crossover for drivers who want distinctive design and comfort without moving up to a larger RX.
The NX 300 is the everyday turbo model, while the NX 300 F SPORT adds a sportier look, more supportive front seats, and firmer suspension tuning. The newly added NX 300 Luxury emphasizes leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and comfort features. The NX 300h and newly added 300h Luxury pair a no-plug hybrid system with standard electronic AWD, with the Luxury version adding the richer cabin equipment.
What changed, by category
Safety
Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 became standard across the range, adding Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist. Active Cornering Assist also became standard.
Tech
A power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column became standard. Android Auto arrived on NX models built after October 1, 2019, so some early-build 2020 vehicles do not have it.
2020 Lexus NX specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 33 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 33 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 30 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 235 hp | 194 hp | 235 hp | 235 hp | 194 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 152 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 152 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 1500 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 54.6 cu-ft | 53.7 cu-ft | 54.6 cu-ft | 54.6 cu-ft | 53.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2020 Lexus NX compared with the 2019 model?
The main change is standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which added Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist. Lexus also made Active Cornering Assist and a power-adjustable steering column standard, introduced Android Auto on later-build vehicles, and added 300 Luxury and 300h Luxury trims.
Does every 2020 Lexus NX have Android Auto?
No. Android Auto was added only to 2020 NX vehicles built after October 1, 2019, so early-build examples may not have it.
What did Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 add to the 2020 NX?
Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 added Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist as standard equipment. Lane Tracing Assist helps keep the NX centered in its lane, while Road Sign Assist displays recognized road signs.
Were Luxury trims added to the 2020 Lexus NX lineup?
Yes. The NX 300 Luxury and NX 300h Luxury joined the lineup for 2020, adding comfort-focused equipment such as leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats.
Was the 2020 Lexus NX redesigned?
No. The 2020 NX remained part of the first generation and carried over the basic design introduced by the 2018 refresh. Its changes centered on safety, equipment, connectivity, and the expanded Luxury-trim lineup.
2020 Lexus NX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Lexus NX.
4.2
2020 Lexus NX
(312 reviews)
“Its very warm and inviting and comfortable to drive especially on long road trips.”
“I have always wanted a Lexus. I purchased a 2020 NX - beautiful aesthetically. Functionality horrific. Trunk broke, paint chipped, tires horrible.”